t Pastel-coloured houses perched on the cliffside at Monterosso al Mare
The Cinque Terre are five villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – located along the rocky coastline of the Riviera di Levante. Clinging dramatically to the steep cliffs, these villages are linked only by an ancient footpath known as the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), which offers some spectacular views of the rocky coastline and terraced vineyards that produce the local dry white wines. The footpath also provides access to secluded beaches. The best way to visit the villages is by boat or by train.
t Pastel-coloured houses perched on the cliffside at Monterosso al Mare
Experience Liguria
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The largest of the five Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso al Mare, is situated to the northwest and overlooks a wide bay with its own sandy beach. Picturesque streets are lined with lemon trees and olive groves, and lead to a centre divided in two: the new development, Fegina, with bustling hotels and restaurants; and the old village of Monterosso, with narrow cobbled streets and pastel-coloured houses.
The fishing village of Vernazza is a warren of quaint, cobbled streets linked by arpaie (steep steps). Founded around 1000 AD, the village straddles a large rocky promontory. The main throughfare, Via Roma, stretches from the tiny harbour (Cinque Terre’s only natural port) to Piazza Marconi, with plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants dotted along the way. Head further inland and wander up Vernazza’s caruggi (narrow lanes) for sea views.
t Sunbathers preparing for a swim off the coast of Corniglia
Perched at the pinnacle of rocky terraces and hemmed in by vineyards, Corniglia seems untouched by the passage of time. From the train station it is best to take a shuttle bus in, or, if you’re feeling fit, head for the 377-step stairway that leads to the centre.
Linked by the famous Via dell’Amore (Lovers’ Lane) to Riomaggiore, a 15-minute walk away, Manarola is idyllic in every sense of the word. The oldest village of the Cinque Terre, it thrives on winemaking, tourism and fishing – which means the seafood restaurants here are some of the best in Italy. The hamlet is divided by a road that was once a stream, Il Ponte, which connects the central church of San Lorenzo with the marina. Close by are hiking trails that cut through pretty vineyards with views down to the sea.
Insider tip
The best time to visit the Cinque Terre for hiking and swimming is from mid-April to mid-October. Avoid August, when hotel prices skyrocket and the hiking trails and beaches become very crowded.
Experience Liguria
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STAY Hotel Porto Roca A charming hotel with an infinity pool, sea views and an excellent on-site restaurant. ⌂ Via Corone 1, Monterosso al Mare ∑ portoroca.it \\\ La Mala A lovely family-run B&B with stunning seaside views. ⌂ Via San Giovanni Battista 29, Vernazza ∑ lamala.it \\\ Cinqueterre Residence One of the more upmarket Cinque Terre hotels. Rooms come with a hot tub and a free minibar. ⌂ Via de Batte 67, Riomaggiore ∑ cinqueterreresidence.it \\\ |
The pretty pastel-coloured houses of Riomaggiore cling to cliffs overlooking curved bays where colourful fishing boats bob on the water. The best known of the Cinque Terre villages, visitors flock here for its tiny beaches, excellent fish restaurants and buzzy bars.